The Servants of Absalom Killing Amnon, from "The Story of Amnon and Tamar" 1540

This print, "The Servants of Absalom Killing Amnon," was made by Heinrich Aldegrever in the 16th century using the technique of engraving. It's a precise, linear medium, achieved by cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The material qualities of this print are stark. The contrast between light and shadow is strong, giving the scene a dramatic, almost theatrical quality. You can see the cross-hatching Aldegrever used to create depth and volume; this was extremely labor-intensive. Consider the amount of planning and skill it took to execute this image. Engraving was very well-suited to the rise of the printing press, and the spread of knowledge and ideas across Europe. Aldegrever was part of a generation of artists who embraced this medium, using it to disseminate biblical scenes. It effectively democratized access to religious narratives and moral lessons. Ultimately, this print embodies the intersection of craft, technology, and social change in the 16th century, challenging any strict separation between art and craft.